Administration Tools

Administrators familiar with previous versions of OCS undoubtedly know the Installation Wizard and Microsoft management console (MMC) snap-in that is used to administer OCS. Beginning with Lync Server, these tools are deprecated and have been replaced with a more flexible and robust toolset. Deployment engineers, system architects, and those responsible for the day-to day-upkeep of Lync Server benefit greatly from these new tools. Designing even complex OCS deployments is much simpler thanks to the new Topology Builder client.

By offloading the design and detailed configuration of Lync Server from the deployment of the actual server roles, Lync Server engineers can focus their efforts on the design process, not the Installation Wizards. Additionally, errors such as FQDN typos are eliminated because topology documents must be validated before they can be published to the CMS. The Topology Builder methodology provides an accurate and complete deployment strategy, one that results in shorter deployment times and fewer errors.

After your topology is published and activated, there is still much work to do. Luckily, you have the Communications server control panel (CSCP). CSCP is a Silverlight-based user interface that is supported by all major browsers. Lync Server administrators can manage their deployments from any machine on the corporate network without having to download software. Online help is available from within CSCP and enables novice administrators to perform most common tasks with just a few mouse clicks.

For tasks not available in CSCP, or for bulk user operations, PowerShell cmdlets are available for every option and setting within Lync Server. Windows administrators have been able to leverage the nearly limitless capabilities of PowerShell for many types of system management, including WMI and COM operations, since its introduction in 2006. This capability allows for script-based operations, third-party extensions, and alternative management interfaces.

With these new tools available in Lync Server, Microsoft provides the framework to enable system administrators the ability to manage Lync Server effectively, and in a manner that suits their abilities and preferences.